He nodded.
“Huh…” I took a moment, considering this information. I tried to remember if I ever saw any magical clues from Tyler, but I couldn’t. “But I never saw you around before.”
“Yeah.” He shifted his weight leaving my question unanswered.
“All right.” I wasn’t ready to force the answer out of him. Not yet anyways. “You said there are four, so with Charmers and Sorcerers, that leaves us with…?”
“Legions and Originals.” He finished for me. “Legions are an elite group of warriors that fight to protect our kind at any cost. They are like Navy SEALs or MI agents in the human world. Some in the group are called Sentry and others are Shields. The—”
“What’s the difference between them?”
He chuckled. “You have the patience of Mother Teresa.”
I flashed a talk-to-the-hand gesture and rolled my eyes for added effect.
“The Shields are the first line of defense and are used as protection services for anything and everything. The Sentry are the elite warriors. They’re the last line of defense and step in to handle missions that are—”
“Impossible.” I finished for him.
He smiled down at me. Actually, it was more like a grin filled with pride and it was sexy as hell. Mini explosions burst throughout my body, making me tingle all over. His tongue darted out, wetting his lips, as his eyes traveled to my mouth. I suddenly began to pant, my head swimming dangerously.
Get a grip, Ren.
He cleared his throat, bringing me out of my trance. “Legions are gifted with speed, strength, super healing, and telepathy. Since they don’t carry any magical weight, a Sorcerer is assigned for every ten Legions.”
“Telepathy. That’s an awesome power,” I said in reverence.
He nodded, smiling. “It really helps us communicate without the need for excess toys.”
“I thought boys loved their toys.” I playfully jabbed his shoulder.
His lips curved up in an impish smile. “The last group is called the Originals. Since we know very little about their magic, everything is based on rumors. We believe they can control elemental magic in addition to giving or taking away magic.”
“So, what are you?”
A lascivious smile played on his lips as his voice grew hoarse and low. “Hmm… Let’s see. I’m one hundred percent sure I’m a boy and you’re a girl, and we—”
“Thanks for that enlightenment, genius.” I snorted. “I meant, can you, like… run super-fast or throw a flame or…?”
“I’m actually a hybrid Dracian.”
I took a deep breath, ready to blast him with another question. But he held his hand up and smiled.
“Before you ask, it’s rare to be a hybrid. There are some chosen families…” He hesitated for a few seconds and I was certain this was the information he couldn’t tell me. But then he surprised me when he continued. “Some families have a mixture of bloodlines to allow their offspring the best chance for survival. But most of them are pureblood to one type of magic. This makes them stronger. More defined and invincible.” He sounded unsure and doubtful.
I was astonished he shared his secret with me. Truth be told, I was expecting him to… I didn’t know what I expected, but it definitely wasn’t the truth.
“Every Dracian is put through some defense training by the time we’re thirteen. I never thought twice about what I wanted. I was and will always be a Legion—serving soldier of Mother Dracia. It’s my responsibility to protect my people, my family, and my friends.”
I listened to him in amazement. “And why? I mean, why the responsibility?”
“I had firsthand experience with the kind of damage Telalians, our arch nemesis, are capable of.” He paused, lost in thought. “There are many awful things out there, Ren. Goarders are at the bottom of the food chain. They’re mere mortals greedy enough to sell their souls.”
“Who has such power? And why would someone be stupid enough to sell their soul?” It came out judgmental, but I couldn’t help myself. What could possibly be worth selling your soul?
“Telal and his immediate bloodline, called Proxys, have the power. And to answer your other question, not everything is as it seems. Some people grow desperate enough to sacrifice themselves to save their loved ones from impending death.”
Could I be one of those desperate people? Was I brave enough to sacrifice myself for someone else? I didn’t have to think long before I found my answer.
Yes, I would. I would do anything to protect my brother.
“How does it work?”
“Are you planning on making a deal with the devil?” Axel turned to me, his eyes mischievous. When I didn’t respond, he continued. “They don’t just turn any human into a Goarder. They hand pick the ones that have the most potential. We think they target those that have no way out, are desperate, and are willing to do anything to get what they want. Their desire to sacrifice makes them strong, but the more tainted their soul is, the stronger they are when they’re turned into Goarders.”
“So they were once humans, with families and stuff?” He nodded. I let the information sink in for few minutes. “Do Goarders have any magical powers?”
“Yes. Proxys are equivalent to our Sorcerers. We know for certain the Goarders have the strength and speed. We suspect telepathy, but since none of us were ever one…” He gave me a crooked smile. “We know they don’t heal quickly.”
“So if Telalians can be created, can Dracians?” It seemed like the most obvious answer.
“Making a magical being requires the original’s blood…” He sighed. “Synik and Bramuda, the leaders of the Dracians, died centuries ago, and since then, we’ve survived through the breeding process.”
I flinched at the word breeding. It sounded so… animalistic.
“It is what it is,” Axel said, almost like he was convincing himself. “We don’t know the exact story of our creation, but we do know it starts with Telal and Synik, two best friends bonded through magic, first of our kind. They were born with the power to control magic with unimaginable breadth. Magic was born with them and a female—Bramuda.”
He paused.
“At the beginning, these three worked hard to build our race. They created a sanctuary for us—a place we can call home. They provided guidance, knowledge, and training. But then, their views on right versus wrong turned into a battle for centuries and many lost lives. All hell broke loose.” He gave me a weak smile.
“Telal believed they were given the gift to punish all criminals by death and to induce fear in mortals to gain power. He believed in justice—eye for an eye—no exceptions. Synik, on the other hand, true to his name—warrior of humankind—believed in fair trials and power gained by trust and sacrifice and love, not by injecting fear. He believed justice could be served only when truth is drawn.”
The way Axel explained the story, I felt like I was living it.
“Power is a beautiful thing. It helps mankind continue forward, but it can also destroy humankind. Power is virtuous. It’s swayed by the beholder, not the other way around.” He paused. “The story is told that these two fought for over two centuries, each swaying the power to their side equally until Bramuda’s death.”
I could imagine it, the battles between them. The slaughter. Best friends fighting against each other. Bramuda’s death drawing them together to grieve the mutual loss, as she drew her last breath. I shivered.
“After her death, Telal and Synik became savages.” Axel’s voice brought me back to reality. “Many more souls were lost until Synik was defeated in the end. Immortality was at risk.”
“So, you’re immortal?” I asked, trying to connect all the dots.
Axel shook his head like he forgot I was here, listening to his heritage.
“No. We live longer than mortals, but eventually die.”
I felt Axel’s eyes travel along the side of my cheek down to my shoulders.
“So how long is longer?” I asked to div
ert his scrutinizing gaze.
“Most die fighting in this never-ending war, but the oldest lived to be in their four hundreds.”
“Well, that’s a long, boring life, not to mention all the wrinkles.” I crinkled my nose thinking about how I would look at age four hundred.
His shoulders shook uncontrollably as he laughed with his mouth wide open. “You’re seriously worried about wrinkles? You’re such a girl.”
“Well, I really don’t think I can live with my wrinkly self for over three hundred years.” Now Axel was laughing so loud, I felt stupid. “What?”
“You’re ridiculously cute. How did you ever survive?”
I scowled at him.
“Okay. Okay,” he said, raising his hands in defeat. “So it’s like this. Mortals start to wrinkle at about age fifty?”
“Give or take a couple of years.”
He nodded. “Dracians start to see wrinkles around two hundred-ish.” He paused. He shrugged his shoulders. “Give or take a few decades.”
Oh. Duh! Stupid math.
But I wasn’t ready to admit he was right. Might as well stay mad at him and math, and I’ll add the person that invented math, for good measure. Axel crouched in front of me, trying to get me to look at him.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed. Forgive me?”
I looked away from him, acting like a five-year-old that didn’t get her way.
“What can I do to make it up? Come on, Ren, don’t be like that.” He teased, offering his hand.
I raised my eyebrows.
“I thought a change in scenery would be nice,” he explained, wiggling his fingers.
“Fine.” I got up and walked in front of him, trying to hide my mischievous smile.
“Ren, wait.” He caught up to me and grabbed my hand, causing electricity to surge up my arm, jumpstarting the erratic beating of my heart. “Ren.”
“What?” I intended to snap at him, but it came out as a longing whisper.
“You’re going the wrong way.” He grinned like a fool.
Shit.
Warmth built up in my cheeks. Axel leaned in closer to the curve of my neck, his breath tickling my skin. I fought hard not to let my eyes roll back in pure bliss.
“Pink is a great color on you.” The smile in his words tugged at my heart.
Now I was sure I turned bloody-red-tomato. He laughed as he let go of my hand and turned around to walk the other way.
“Come on. You’ll like this.” He sounded excited.
I followed in step with him.
“So, if you’re done interrupting me, I want to finish my story before I show you some cool tricks.”
“Oh, can you sit, stay, jump, shake hands, and roll over too?” I asked sarcastically, my shoulders bunched up closer to my ears.
“That and more, Amor Aeternus,” he teased.
Just keep digging that hole, Ren, deeper and deeper and deeper.
He ran his hand through his hair nervously. Excitement replaced all my other emotions.
“Since Synik passed away, Telalians have been on the rise. In the beginning, families sacrificed their male children for the cause as soon as they turned thirteen, which was the coming-of-age back then. Without Synik, the magical protection he gave his loyal subjects weakened. Many died. Many families wept at their losses. We never knew if Synik’s bloodline survived. It was rumored with his death that his family was sought out and killed. So, one of his loyal followers stepped up to lead his army. He knew the cost of such action, but he knew the price would be higher if he didn’t. The new king of the Dracians was powerful. He had the strength to do what was necessary and never once backed down from his role. He died at the age of one hundred sixty-eight, battling Telal. He, however, survived through his children and children’s children, who kept the balance.”
The brave souls that sacrificed their lives deserved to be avenged. Inadvertently, my blood started to boil at the injustice.
All for power?
Axel’s brows pinched with worry when his eyes turned to me. “Ren, what’s wrong?” I looked up at him and he sucked in a surprised breath. “Your eyes…”
“I’m sorry, I don’t get teary easily.” I ran my hand over my eyes, drying them before continuing. “It’s so sad. Synik’s and Telal’s stupidity is still costing lives. They lost the only person they loved because… they…” I felt like I might blackout as the blood pounded in my ears. I took a couple of deep breaths and Axel placed his hands gently on my shoulders. “I’m okay. It’s a lot of information, you know?”
He nodded knowingly. “I’m surprised at how well you’re taking all of this.” His lips pressed together in a tight smile. “I was afraid you might never speak to me again and possibly even get that restraining order.”
“You’re my ride home,” I teased. “And I haven’t tossed out the idea of a restraining order.” I shrugged, smiling once again. “So where is home exactly?”
“I’ll give you one guess.”
I absently searched through all the information I’d been given but couldn’t remember to save my life.
“I think mortals call it the Bermuda Triangle,” he responded.
My eyes widened in disbelief. “No freaking way!”
He chuckled, nudging my shoulder. I was amazed at how easy it was for me to be with him, talking, laughing, joking…
“Come on, we’re here.”
He took my hand and I almost pulled back, still not used to the electricity that flowed between us. Something between us was getting stronger. It was like our bodies were recognizing and responding to each other. Or it could just be me and my crazed mind. He led me around the curve of the path behind the trees. The smell of cleanness and wet soil scented the surrounding air. A grove of trees enclosed the rushing waterfall, creating an aesthetically pleasing space.
I gasped at the spectacular view. “Whoa!”
It resembled a mini Niagara Falls. We stood at the bottom of the falls as a cool breeze teased my senses. Kicking off my flip-flops, I sat at the edge of the bank and dangled my feet in, letting the cold water tickle between my toes. I sighed in satisfaction, once again getting lost in the beauty of nature.
“This is amazing.” I glanced back at Axel, who was standing a few feet away, taking in the view of nature’s beauty. “Thank you!”
Axel walked over and settled in next to me. Our hands were beside each other’s, pinky fingers slightly touching. “I’m just glad I could share this with you.”
He let his body fall back and closed his eyes.
“So why are you here? In Rocky Hills, I mean,” I asked after a few minutes of silence, hoping he would answer my question this time.
He was so still I wasn’t sure he heard my question. “On a mission to find… the Echo,” he said, nonchalantly.
“The Echo…?”
“In due time I’ll explain,” he responded with a heavy sigh.
I nodded in acknowledgement, remembering him saying some subjects were off-limits. A peaceful silence filled the space between us. It wasn’t awkward, just serene. Neither of us felt the need to fill it with pointless jabber, and I liked that. The rest of the world became insignificant as I got lost in this one.
Then my phone buzzed.
“Hello?”
“Where the hell are you? I’ve been trying to reach you all evening.”
“Sorry, muskles.” I gave a sideways glace to Axel, who stared at me. “I’m out with… a friend.”
“You should check in if your plans change,” Joshua said, worry staining his voice.
A smidgen of guilt wrapped around my heart. “I’m so sorry. I’ll be home soon, okay?”
He let out a sigh of relief. “I called Pey and when she didn’t know where you were, I… Never mind. Besides, I thought you two were joined at the hip.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ll see you soon. Okay. I love you.”
“I love you too, kiddo.”
“Who was that? Your boyfriend?” Axel asked
.
I laughed, waving one hand in front of me. “Yeah, no such luck here.”
“That’s hard to believe,” he mumbled.
My cheeks flared and my laughter died on my lips. “It’s just my overprotective, underappreciated brother,” I said, suddenly interested in my fingernails.
“You check in with you brother often?” He smiled. “Oh, don’t get me wrong. It’s cute.”
“I think he was worried because he was expecting me home.”
“What about your pare—”
My heart ached at the mention of them. I looked away. “We should get going.” I got up to leave.
“Did I say—”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Thank you for a great evening. I hope I get to see you again, only if you want to?” he asked with uncertainty.
Of course I wanted to. Doesn’t he? I shoved away my fear of rejection and pulled on my big-girl panties, taking a dive into bravery.
“Yes, even if it means the end of the world.” I was surprised at my response. My face burned and I looked away. “I had a great time on our non-date. Thank you,” I quickly added, avoiding eye contact.
Axel hesitantly placed his hand on my cheek and drew gentle circles with his thumb. My heart took on an odd, excited rhythm and I closed my eyes, soaking in the feel of his warmth against my skin. My soul soared with the need to connect with his. As he leaned in closer, the front door flew open. I turned around to find my brother framed in it, nostrils flaring. He crossed his arms over his chest with a hammer hanging loosely in his right hand.
Shit!
Axel dropped his hand and shoved it into the front pocket of his jeans, took a step back, and rocked on his feet.
“Give me a minute,” I said to Joshua.
He gave a curt nod and walked backward, his eyes fixed on Axel.
“Sorry.” I paused and snuck a peek over my shoulder to make sure Joshua was safely out of earshot. “I think he thought you and I…” I looked down, away, anywhere but at him, blushing.
“You and I… what, Ren?” he asked in a low, controlled voice.
“You and I were…”
A slow smile appeared on his face.
“It doesn’t matter what he thinks. He’s just being a jerk.” I looked at him through my eyelashes. “I’ll see you around. Soon?” I asked a little desperately.
Dracian Legacy Page 4
